Brine Spreading
July 25th, Titusville
Hosted by Rep. Lee James |
Deep beneath the surface of Pennsylvania vast reserves of minerals, gasses, and water exist. When oil and gas are pumped to the surface to power our vehicles, homes, and provide the feedstock for our industries, brine water comes to the surface as well. This brine water has many uses and has historically helped keep road dust at bay and our streets de-iced in rural Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania residents and our communities want to use this brine, and have always respected strict guidelines for its application, but DEP is standing in the way. To draw attention to this issue and inform House Members the Policy Committee traveled to Titusville, the birthplace of Pennsylvania oil, to hear from the communities that want to use this valuable yet inexpensive resource.
Key Takeaways:
Burt Waite
Geologist
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DEP banned the 40-year practice of road brine spreading in 2018. |
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Nothing is without risk, but DEP’s assumed risk of brine spreading does not outweigh the reward. |
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The risk – environmental and health – of applying brine onto PA roads is no greater than the risk of applying traditional road salt. |
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DEP has NEVER issued a violation for environmental harm to brine spreaders. |
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1996 DEP Study: With guidelines brine spreading is justified. |
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1997 DEP Study: “Unacceptable” impacts to surface waters may occur from long-term uncontrolled application of brine. |
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2020 PSU Study: Brine spreading may not be any more effective than water for dust suppression… this study is contrary to the experience of PA towns for decades. |
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2022 PSU Study: Brine is just as effective, and no more harmful, than commercial products used for road dust suppression and de-icing. |
Hon. Jim Trussell
Chairman, Hamlin Township Board of Supervisors
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Brine spreading was an inexpensive, nearly free, means for Hamlin Township to suppress dust on dirt roads. |
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Using the brine was a win-win for both the Township and local drilling companies. |
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Following the DEP ban Hamlin Township purchased calcium chloride to spread. This is far more expensive and has little effect. |
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Flying dust from roads has damaged homes and made crops inedible. |
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DCED grants for paving the roads have been denied each year. The only interim option before paving is to use brine for dust suppression. |
Hon. David McClain
Chairman, Keating Township Board of Supervisors
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44 miles of road were historically treated with brine in Keating Township. |
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Application of brine before a winter storm is an effective and low-cost way to stop icy roads. |
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The ability to apply brine saves townships’ money and keeps roads safe. |
Hon. Steve Goodwill
Chairman, Columbus Township Council
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In 1983 dust control products were 3 cents per gallon. Now, dust control products cost 15 cents per gallon. |
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In the 1980’s the Township received brine, for free, from well drillers. The township designed and built trucks in the later 80’s and 90’s specifically for brine application on their roads. |
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When DEP banned the application of brine no funding was provided to communities that relied on this nearly-free resource. |
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Application of solid products, like flaked calcium, is far more time and labor intensive than brine spreading. |
In Case You Missed It:
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“Spreading brine from conventional wells is beneficial, less expensive, and effective.”
— Rep. Lee James — |
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“Oil and gas field brine is effective in controlling dust on dirt roads.”
— Burt Waite —
Geologist |
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“If the ban on conventional well brine spreading were to be lifted, it would be of great benefit to our township and townships across the state.”
— Hon. Jim Trussell —
Chairman, Hamlin Township Board of Supervisors |
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“Using brine takes a financial burden [road salt] away and makes our roadways safer.”
— Hon. David McClain —
Chairman, Keating Township Board of Supervisors |
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“Our government in Harrisburg does not understand that we don’t have as many paved roads like they have downstate.”
— Hon. Steve Goodwill —
Chairman, Columbus Township Council |
In The News:
Watch the Testimony:
Full Hearing: Brine Spreading
Burt Waite, Geologist
Hon. Jim Trussell, Chairman, Hamlin Township Board of Supervisors
Hon. David McClain, Chairman, Keating Township Board of Supervisors
Hon. Steve Goodwill, Chairman, Columbus Township Council
Questions for the Testifiers